Sexual Dysfunction in Men with Diabetes Mellitus

Adequate sexual expression is essential to many human relationships and provides a sense of physical, psychological and social well-being. Diabetic men have a more than 3-fold increased prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) compared with nondiabetic men. Erectile function is primarily a vascular phenomenon, triggered by neurologic controls and facilitated by appropriate hormonal and psychological components. Recent advances in the understanding of the physiology of penile vasculature and its role in male sexual performance have influenced the clinical approach to ED. Sexual dysfunction may be one of the important chronic complications in men with diabetes, thus deserving further research. This review provides a definition of sexual dysfunction, its pathophysiology, clinical trials on the issue, diabetes as a metabolic syndrome and its impact on sexual dysfunction. The possible therapeutic interventions are described.